It takes courage to try to change the world but to some of us, it is worth it. Listening to out of tune bands could be a thing of the past if only the band world would take note. Below I will discuss the reasoning behind clarinet tuning as opposed…
These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester
Why Are We Still Tuning Our Bands To A TUBA?
Many years ago, someone came up with the stupid idea that bands should stop tuning to a clarinet and start tuning to a TUBA. How ridicules! I thought it to be a fad started by some band hating string player as a joke but soon it caught on and it…
Adolph Sylvester (Bud) Herseth- A Legend In His Own Time
When speaking of greatness, merely the first name or nick name is sufficient. The name Pops, Diz, Bird, Duke, Count, Wynton instantly brings to mind these gifted musicians and when the name “Bub” is offered, only one person comes to mind; Bud Herseth. To the less aware, Mr. Herseth has…
Finally! Help for Trumpet Instructors
Finally there is assistance for troubled trumpet instructors. We all have been faced with this situation from time to time; the student comes to his/her lesson ill prepared and begins with pleading excuses for not having their lesson learned. One such student actually sat down and pretended to cry. He…
Lesson plans for More Advanced and Comeback Players- Part 3
Areas to be developed by more advanced players and comeback players- Tone and flexibility Valve technique and range exercises Sight reading and etude playing Ensemble playing Always be preparing a new solo The attached material will give you specific exercises to use in order to begin to develop the areas…
Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns
Sometimes you can be blown away with a great soprano aria. Sometimes you are brought to tears by the singing a beautiful choir. Even a sunset can make one stop and contemplate the universe, but when you hear the power, precision and drive of a band like this, all you…
Mr. Paul VonAdam
I have know Paul for more than 10 years and have had contact with him in many areas which includes being a close friend, a fellow musician. Paul and his wife Carol are two of the nicest individuals my wife and I have know since moving to the Branson area.…
Update on Branson
Many have been very kind in asking how we are doing in Branson after a very busy night with tornadoes. I thank you all for your support and wanted to share some photos of our less fortunate neighbors on our street. Our house sustained minor damage and we should have…
American Pride Part 3
This is part of my continuing series of posts related to what I have called “American Pride”. Each post reflects something in music which denotes the pride we feel for our country. This is a very good example of two characteristics Americans are known for- ingenuity and creativity. Where else…
Another interesting Video-
Our good friend John Hess is back and the amount of work put into this video is only matched by his ability to play his horns. I wonder if this gentleman ever sleeps. Thanks again John and may you live forever!